Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Congress, demanding the passage of the Save America Act, which would introduce strict voter ID requirements and restrict mail-in ballots. In remarks at a Republican event in Miami on Monday, Trump said: 'All voters must show proof of citizenship in order to vote. No mail-in ballots, except for illness, disability, military or travel.' He claimed that if the bill passes, Democrats 'probably won’t win an election for 50 years and maybe longer'.
The Save America Act has drawn criticism from voting rights advocates, who argue it would disenfranchise millions of Americans. They note that only about half of US citizens hold a valid passport, and other documents such as birth certificates may not match current names, particularly affecting married women who have changed their surnames. The bill also includes provisions to limit transgender youth's access to healthcare and ban transgender women from competing in women's sports, as confirmed by the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.
Trump's ultimatum has exposed divisions within the Republican Party. Some members support the president's hardline stance, while others fear a government shutdown could harm the party's electoral prospects. The bill faces an uncertain future in Congress, where it would need to overcome Democratic opposition and potential Republican defections.
